Tallest Mountains in Missouri
Missouri’s topography is dominated by the Ozark Plateau, a region of deep valleys and ancient, weather-worn peaks that stand in stark contrast to the flat prairies found in the northern half of the state. The most significant elevations are located within the Saint Francois Mountains, a range of Precambrian igneous rock that predates most other mountain systems in North America. These summits, characterized by dense hardwood forests and unique geological formations like “shut-ins” and granite glades, provide some of the best hiking and panoramic views in the Midwest. The following table identifies the top 20 tallest natural points in Missouri, centered largely in the rugged heart of Iron and Reynolds counties.
| Rank | Mountain/High Point | County | Elevation (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taum Sauk Mountain | Iron | 1,772 |
| 2 | Wildcat Mountain | Iron | 1,757 |
| 3 | Buford Mountain | Iron/St. Francois | 1,740 |
| 4 | Leadbelt Mountain | Iron | 1,714 |
| 5 | Russell Mountain | Iron | 1,708 |
| 6 | Proffit Mountain | Reynolds | 1,702 |
| 7 | Vail Mountain | Iron | 1,693 |
| 8 | Goff Mountain | Iron | 1,685 |
| 9 | Johnson Mountain | Iron | 1,673 |
| 10 | Cope Mountain | Iron | 1,650 |
| 11 | Thorny Mountain | Shannon | 1,580 |
| 12 | Stegall Mountain | Shannon/Carter | 1,535 |
| 13 | Bell Mountain | Iron | 1,526 |
| 14 | Goggins Mountain | Reynolds | 1,500 |
| 15 | High Top Mountain | Reynolds | 1,495 |
| 16 | Mudlick Mountain | Wayne | 1,313 |
| 17 | Pilot Knob | Iron | 1,300 |
| 18 | Matthews Mountain | Madison | 1,280 |
| 19 | Hughes Mountain | Washington | 1,200 |
| 20 | Stoneman Mountain | Iron | 1,150 |